Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

About the Role

Unicorn Vets is seeking a confident Veterinary Surgeon to take full clinical ownership of the Park Surgery branch in Southampton, a role perfect for an experienced vet who thrives with independence and leadership. You'll manage a diverse small animal caseload including cats, dogs, rabbits and small furries, balancing consultations and surgery with genuine scope to pursue your own clinical interests and grow the practice in the direction you'd like to take it. This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week worked across four or five days with a mix of early and late shifts. There's a manageable 1:6 Saturday morning rota (8:30am-12:30pm) with no out-of-hours or on-call requirements, giving you predictable weekday evenings and most weekends free. Part-time applications are also welcomed. Based in Southampton—perfectly positioned between coastal living and city convenience—you'll have easy access to the New Forest, South Downs and Solent coastline, plus excellent transport links including direct trains to London.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clinical care for a varied small animal caseload with emphasis on case continuity and thorough workups
• Make clinical decisions with autonomy while having the option to refer complex cases when appropriate
• Lead and shape the direction of the Park Surgery practice, including service development and clinical strategy
• Work independently as the sole veterinary surgeon on-site, supported by two RVNs and a receptionist
• Utilise the practice's diagnostic equipment including digital X-ray, in-house lab, ultrasound with echocardiography, endoscopy, capnography, tonometry and ECG
• Collaborate with the wider Unicorn Vets group (two Southampton sites: Park and Fairfield) and neighbouring practices for additional support when needed

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon with RCVS registration
• Confidence and experience working as sole charge (or ready to embrace this level of autonomy)
• Ability to manage a varied small animal caseload independently
• Experience with or willingness to engage with case continuity-based practice

Benefits

• Salary & Extras: Up to £75,000 DOE, plus up to £5,000 relocation allowance and up to £5,000 welcome bonus
• Annual Leave: 6.6 weeks annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, plus additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
• Professional Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave, certificate support, learning and development via IVC Evidensia Academy, access to Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia, and eligibility to apply for research funding
• Care Fund: £1,250 per annum to spend via the IVC Evidensia Care Fund
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees paid
• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay), and wellbeing initiatives
• Pension: Company pension scheme with employer contribution from IVC Evidensia
• Commute & Lifestyle: Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme (subject to eligibility), voluntary benefits package, discounts/cashback with hundreds of retailers, and discounted treatment for your own pets at IVC Evidensia practices
• Quality & Compliance: Access to Infection Prevention and Control Programme and Quality Improvement Programme

About the Practice

Unicorn Vets has proudly served the Southampton community for over 30 years, operating across two well-established sites: Park and Fairfield. The practice is known for its friendly, highly experienced veterinary team and excellent support from nurses and receptionists, all dedicated to providing high-quality patient care. The Park Surgery is housed in a converted property and is preparing for refurbishment. It's already well equipped with digital X-ray, in-house lab, ultrasound with echocardiography, endoscopy, capnography, tonometry and ECG, enabling thorough and confident case workups. As part of IVC Evidensia (the veterinary division of Mars Veterinary Health), the practice benefits from group support while maintaining its independent identity and community focus.